Issue 248
Local News for Local Communities
Wednesday 26th August 2026
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
LOCAL SKINCARE RANGE Page 3
GARDENING & LANDSCAPING FEATURE Pages 8-11
WARRIORS GIRLS TEAM CREATES CLUB HISTORY Page 14
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LOCAL ARTIST SHARES HER PASSION FOR ART Anya Diepold is a self-taught artist living in Rolleston, where she paints pets and animals in oils and soft pastels. Originally from Bavaria, Germany, Anya moved to New Zealand in 2015 after meeting her Kiwi partner overseas. While he already had friends and acquaintances here, she found it difficult to make friends of her own. Having always loved drawing and painting, she signed up for an Adult Art Metro class in Papanui, and her art journey began. “I kept painting and continued learning through other workshops and online videos,” Anya says. “In 2024, I took part in my first exhibition at the Village Arts Centre and later began teaching classes there for just over a year.” She says art has helped her through some rough times, and she has seen how much a weekly class can support people’s wellbeing. “I genuinely love running these sessions. We all learn from each other, share plenty of laughs, and I’ve met such kind, interesting people along the way,” she says. “Hearing students say the class helps them navigate grief, step away from the daily grind and their screens, and finally carve out time for themselves has really stayed with me.” Seeing community posts from Rolleston people looking to socialise and make friends inspired Anya to create something local. She now runs
classes from her garage studio under the name Wermaid Studio. Since April 2026, she has remodelled her garage, added eight wall easels, storage, tables and stools, bought supplies, and begun offering a Tuesday evening art class and a beginner’s drawing course, both of which have received positive feedback. She also wanted the sessions to be affordable and accessible, especially with cost -of-living pressures affecting many households. After exhibiting at the Selwyn Art Show, Anya discovered the Creative Communities Scheme and successfully applied for a $1,500 grant to help fund the classes and keep the rate low. Continue on page 14 …..
Rolleston artist Anya Diepold, pictured with a selection of her art works, runs regualar art classes from her garage in Rolleston.
DEADLINES: Editorial Tuesday 15 September ‘26 | Advertising Wednesday 16 September ‘26